The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word FRAMEWORK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
F
R
A
M
E
W
O
R
K
More clues leading to the result FRAMEWORK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Set up" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case set up = framework.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FRAMEWORK mean?
FRAMEWORK noun- A support structure comprising joined parts or conglomerated particles and intervening open spaces of similar or larger size.
- The arrangement of support beams that represent a building's general shape and size.
- The larger branches of a tree that determine its shape.
- A basic conceptual structure.
- A reusable piece of code (and, sometimes, other utilities) providing a standard environment within which an application can be implemented.
- The identification and categorisation of processes or steps that constitute a complex task or mindset in order to render explicit the tacit and implicit.